Are you looking for the best dog harness? Then you’ve come to the right place! With the right harness, walking your dog becomes a true pleasure. The pulling force of the dog is shifted to its chest and back muscles, thus protecting the neck and spine. You also have better control over your pet. For this test report, we examined 5 dog harness brands and also incorporated the opinions of experts. We promise you, this article will truly help you. 🙂

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Buying Guide

A dog harness provides a better alternative to a collar. The reason is that the strain is not only on your furry friend’s neck but evenly distributed across the chest and back. This way, your dog is protected from choking.

This accessory justifies its use solely through its safe and gentle control of your pet. Especially in dog sports, one should not do without this product.

It should be preferred over a collar. After all, the goal is to properly distribute the pulling forces and prevent choking your furry friend.

There is unfortunately no one perfect harness. There are now a variety of different models. Nevertheless, all models have similarities.

A modern harness consists of straps and rings. These are connected by fasteners. You must enclose the chest with the straps.

The straps also run behind the front legs and around the belly. This way, you secure your pet in front of and behind the front legs.

Therefore, the chest strap, belly strap, and back part are important parts of this accessory.

You must attach the leash as with many other models to the back part. There you will find a sturdy metal loop that you must connect to the leash’s carabiner.

The straps of the chest and belly area are designed so that you can adjust them individually.

This also means that you can adjust their length to your pet’s body. This allows for a comfortable connection with your furry friend.

The following 7 points give you a comprehensive insight into the dog harness:

1. Features of a good dog accessory

A dog harness doesn’t have to be boring. It is made of different materials and can have various designs, bringing a lot of variety to the dog’s daily life.

Furthermore, a good model is characterized by the materials leather and synthetic. They are easy to care for and easy to clean.

Especially with the walking harnesses, innovative synthetic materials have excellent properties.

For example, the Norwegian models are made of textile, which has good wearing properties.

Many models are also optimally padded. Synthetic materials are also found here.

They ensure that the thicker parts dry quickly. This allows the walking harness to be used again quickly.

The walking harness secures your pet. It has straps, rings, and reflectors. This makes your four-legged friend much more visible in the dark.

Below you will find an overview of the advantages and disadvantages:

2. Dog harness is much more animal-friendly

A dog harness is much more animal-friendly compared to a collar.

A furry friend that pulls strongly on the leash cannot be choked by a harness, unlike a collar. Collars and leashes do not have this property.

The jerk on the leash is exerted directly on the neck. Pulling on the leash does not achieve any training measures.

If he is choked by pulling, your four-legged friend will resist more and more.

This is also because his body is built similarly to that of a human.

The cervical spine and the laryngeal area must not be unnecessarily stressed but must be protected.

3. Increased safety and better control

Your beloved pet is fully secured with a harness outdoors. This is one of the greatest advantages of a dog harness.

Some breeds are very skilled at quickly freeing themselves from the collar. To prevent this, it is necessary to choose a perfectly fitting model for your pet.

The increased safety is one of the reasons why many people opt for a dog harness. Additionally, an extra handle can also be useful.

The back strap is suitable for safely guiding your furry friend by your side with a grip.

This function is particularly useful for animals that occasionally stop. Furthermore, with the handle, you can direct your pet in a way that it is not choked.

4. Functionality

The dog harness has become indispensable for many dog owners.

Several straps encompass the body. This distributes the pulling force across the entire body and not just on the neck.

In many models, you must attach the leash to a ring located on the back. Animals that pull particularly strongly will benefit from this type of dog accessory.

If your furry friend pulls on the leash abruptly, they will not be restrained over a sensitive body part.

For these reasons, it seems natural that walking is much more relaxed for many people and dogs.

Pulling on the collar is eliminated. A humane and effective securing of your friend is enabled.

Even environmental organizations like PETA endorse the use of dog harnesses.

5. Areas of Application

A harness is suitable for all dogs. However, there are groups where advantages are well highlighted. This is particularly the case with active four-legged friends.

They accelerate quickly, which can suddenly tighten the leash. In this case, the neck does not serve as a restraint device. Rather, the load is distributed to the dog’s back.

Additionally, even young animals can benefit from this accessory. Their disobedient activities are not associated with painful consequences.

Learning is therefore not hindered by negative influences.

Furthermore, older furry friends also benefit. They can walk slowly without experiencing pain.

Finally, the harness ensures that the bond between you and your sweetheart is strengthened. Therefore, he will find the relationship with you more pleasant.

Even though quality and safety are paramount, the fashionable aspect should not be neglected. After all, clothes make the man. The design reflects the personality of both the dog and the owner.

So you can equip your female dog with a harness in pink and crystals. After all, there is still room for funny inscriptions.

You can choose between different sayings and change them depending on your mood.

6. Types of Dog Harness

Dog harnesses are now available in sizes ranging from XXS to XXL. Thus, there is suitable gear for every furry friend. But to ensure it fits properly, you must first take measurements.

Measure the neck circumference at the widest point. Then measure the chest circumference, also at the widest point.

Have you found a suitable model tailored to the size of your beloved? Then lay it on the ground first.

There are two tabs that you must loop around the front legs. Then slowly insert the legs through the tabs. Then close the buckle at the upper back.

Don’t worry if it seems too loose at first glance.

You can adjust every model afterwards. This way, you can better adapt it to the body shape of your pet.

Also, make sure it’s not too tight around the neck. Likewise, there should be enough room for a finger to fit between the dog and the harness.

Below we have listed the different types of dog harness:

Safety Harness

A good harness convinces with many safety elements that make walking your dog more pleasant. These include reflectors and eye-catching colors as well as a handle on the back and a wide strap.

Often, models are also available on the market equipped with a chest ring and pockets. This makes it even more versatile. Reinforced seams are important, guaranteeing optimal hold even in restless situations.

Leather Model

A dog harness made of leather is considered particularly high-quality, durable, and robust. The material can withstand heavy loads. However, these designs are a bit more expensive because their production is more complicated.

One practical aspect of leather is its resistance to moisture, sweat, and similar substances.

Padded Design

You will also come across dog harnesses in stores with very thin straps. Additionally, they have extensive padding to increase comfort. This allows pressure to be distributed well.

Due to the broader construction, padded harnesses are more robust and are less likely to tear.

Soft Dog Harness

These models have reinforced fabric that is soft. Furthermore, they have a flat design, ensuring higher comfort.

Puppies and young animals, in particular, will benefit from this design. Soft models are also suitable for pets that resist traditional harnesses.

Model with Leash

If you want to use the accessory immediately after purchase, you can buy a set with a leash. This way, you benefit from having a leash that matches the harness in color. Another purchase is not necessary in this case, saving you money.

Designs for Puppies

Since puppies are not yet accustomed to wearing a harness, they resist it. Therefore, some manufacturers offer special models suitable for puppies.

These are characterized by being particularly soft and lightweight. They also do not contain any bothersome elements.

7. Comfort Factors

For your dog to feel comfortable in the harness, it must offer high comfort. However, if he reacts defensively, you should choose a different model.

Some animals are particularly sensitive around their front legs. You should also consider this when choosing the right accessory.

How much your pet accepts the new model depends largely on the fit. A too tight model can be a great discomfort. Furthermore, uncomfortable pressure points can develop.

To find the ideal fit, you must first measure your pet. The shoulder height is not as important. What matters is that you measure the circumference of the chest.

Check the manufacturer’s labels for the correct size information. This way, you can quickly find the right size.

We recommend buying a model that you can adjust in various ways. This allows you to perfectly tailor it to your pet’s size.

Product Reviews in Detail

🥇 Top Recommendation

Are you looking for an adventurous sports harness for your small dog with a chest circumference of 25 to 63 cm and a neck circumference of 25 to 49 cm, perfect for sports, hiking, hunting, and training?

Then the ThinkPet Dog Harness made of sturdy, tear-resistant nylon and high-quality craftsmanship is just right for you. The padded and breathable harness ensures optimal pressure distribution, prevents chafing and rubbing, and is equipped with practical safety click buckles.

A special highlight is the strap with reflective stripes on the front, which ensures better visibility and increased safety in poor lighting conditions. And the padded traffic handle also offers you secure control over your furry friend at all times, especially near roads and traffic lights.

This dog harness is not only suitable for small dogs. There are 4 different sizes, from S-XL. Additionally, there is a selection of different colors.

Premium Recommendation

This dog harness impresses with a solid design. It has reflective elements, ensuring high safety at night or in bad weather. Furthermore, the skin-friendly inner lining provides high comfort. It is also characterized by premium quality.

The durability of this product is ensured by the choice of premium materials and meticulous handcrafting. It also features phosphorescent Velcro inscriptions. There are more than 1000 inscriptions to choose from, which can be informative or funny.

Price-Performance Recommendation

This dog harness fits very comfortably on the animal’s body. Otherwise, the materials and seams are cleanly processed. It can be ordered in four different sizes. The sizes are based on the chest circumference. Furthermore, it has easily adjustable straps to ensure maximum comfort around the neck and chest.

For Securing in the Car

With the reflective stripes on this harness, your dog is clearly visible at night and in foggy conditions. The soft material on the inside allows your pet to feel comfortable. The Slowton harness stands out for its sturdy construction at a good price-performance ratio.

There are many different colors to choose from. On the chest side, it has a stylish paw print. The harness is particularly suitable for securing your dog in the car.

This product features an extra handle and two rings for better control. With the handle, you can steer your pet more comfortably in tense situations. Additionally, metal rings on the chest and back of the product provide better control. The model comes in five different sizes.

The accessory is made of breathable mesh lining and a sponge padding plate. This prevents damage to the dog and ensures additional comfort and protection. Additionally, this dog harness has simple buckles, making it much easier to put on and take off. The reflective material ensures that your companion can be seen better in the darkness.

Conclusion

Even the simplest walk with your loyal furry friend can become an incredible adventure when you use the right dog harness.

By distributing the pulling force correctly on the chest and back muscles, not only is your dog’s health protected, but your shared time is also elevated to a whole new level.

The dog harness not only gives you better control over your beloved pet but also provides you with a sense of security and confidence.

Say goodbye to uncomfortable pulling and tugging and choose a dog harness that perfectly suits your dog and your shared activities.

The selection of dog harnesses is endless, and you will surely find the ideal model to strengthen your bond with your dog and experience unforgettable adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What manufacturers of dog harnesses are there?

Here is a list of manufacturers and brands:

Has Consumer Reports already conducted a test?

Consumer Reports has not yet conducted a test for dog harnesses. Nothing has been found in the English-speaking area.

Where can I buy a dog harness?

We have checked and compared numerous shops during our research.

We focused on the criteria of best price, shipping conditions, and reliability. The following stores performed best.

At least one of the mentioned stores is linked above with the recommendations. In today’s time, we recommend an online shop like Amazon or eBay.

We were able to find the best price during our research here. Additionally, you have the convenience of having the goods shipped to your home free of charge. You can be sure to receive your goods.

At the specialty retailer, the assortment is smaller, the bestsellers are often sold out, and you even save on travel costs and valuable time. For us, a clear advantage.